Initiative
Taber, Alberta – February 5, 2025 – In a remarkable milestone, dedicated Alberta Sugar Beet Growers (ASBG) have reached the prestigious FSA Silver Level, exhibiting their commitment to sustainability and excellence in farming practices. This achievement, made possible through the innovative Alberta EFP+ Program, highlights the growers’ unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible agriculture. With this verification, they are not just cultivating crops; they are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in farming.
The FSA Silver Level is granted to organizations that can demonstrate sustainable business practices throughout their supply chain, considering sustainability criteria related to people, planet, and profit at the farm level. The EFP+ program enables Alberta producers to gain credit for both the FSA, as part of the international Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI Platform), and the EFP workbook.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of both organizations in promoting sustainable farming methods while ensuring the resilience of Alberta’s agricultural sector.
“We truly appreciate the support of Alberta EFP in helping our growers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Their hard work and dedication have been recognized through their alignment with global sustainability standards, showcasing the excellence of Alberta’s agricultural producers. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry," stated ASBG Executive Director, Jennifer Crowson.
"By completing the FSA and achieving a silver level verification, it demonstrates to our processor and their customers that we are growing sugar beets in a sustainable way. We strive to do the best job we can to supply our product, and meeting the standards for this achievement supports the work we do," confirmed Jordan Peterson, a Sugar Beet grower in the MD of Taber, Alberta.
The partnership between Alberta EFP and ASBG exemplifies a successful model for other agricultural organizations, exhibiting how a focus on environmental stewardship can yield substantial advantages for both producers and consumers, while also promoting Alberta products in global markets. “We are delighted to have assisted ASBG in attaining the FSA Silver Level," stated Lisa Nadeau, Director of the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan. "This achievement underscores our mutual commitment to sustainability and reinforces the global standing of Alberta’s agri-food products."
Both organizations are dedicated to continuous education and enhancement, with the goal of motivating others in the agricultural community to embrace similar practices and pursue excellence in sustainability. Join us in celebrating this exciting step forward for Alberta’s agricultural community!
Financial support for the development and the delivery of both the EFP and the EFP+ program was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-product sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For more information about the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan and ASBG., please visit:
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan: https://www.albertaefp.com/alberta-efp-program/efp-plus/
Alberta Sugar Beet Growers: https://albertasugarbeets.ca/
Alberta EFP+ news article https://grainswest.com/2024/03/efp-a-ok-for-risk-management/
EFP featured on Business Wide View Podcast: AGCHNL - Environmental Farm Plan - Lisa Nadeau (thepublicplace.online)
Rahr Malting Co. Achieves FSA Gold Level Using Alberta EFP+ Program